Point and figure charts are technical charts that traders use to identify and monitor stock market trends. These charts, in their marking and representation, use the symbols Xs and Os to mark movements in prices. Every marking of X and O denotes a price level. Under P&F charts, Xs are used to mark a price increase, and Os are used to show a price decline. As the price moves beyond the predetermined levels, a new sign is put on the chart to mark the change.

An important fact about P&F charts is that they do not account for time at all. The new mark is only placed when the price change takes place. This can be an effective way to filter out the insignificant price changes and focus on the core trend changes.

Point and figure charts can be very advantageous for trading. Let us take a look at some of their benefits:

• These charts are very useful for traders and investors to identify potential points of entry and exit in the market. P&F charts are pragmatic indicators and also reduce the impact of sentiments in investment decision-making to an extent.
• P&F charts are made under stringent but simple criteria, which enhances their reliability and consistency compared to a few other metrics.
• They are also useful in cutting down on the noise created by price volatility and sudden movements. This helps traders and investors identify important resistance and support levels more accurately.
• Point and figure charts are also instrumental in identifying and verifying other chart patterns like head and shoulders, flags, and double tops.

P&F charts are effective yet simple to chart and interpret. This makes them a popular tool relied on by a large number of traders. If you are new to the financial market and still learning the fundamentals, like what is a tick size or how to pick between stock vs. ETF, we will describe the basic strategy of trading using point and figure charts below:

• Trend determination
  The current trend can be easily determined by counting the number of Xs and Os on the point and figure chart. If the number of Xs exceeds Os, the market is bullish. Conversely, if the Os are more than the Xs, the market is bearish.
• Identify resistance and support levels
  The next step is to identify zones of price levels that have not been broken and see repeated bounce-offs. This range would help in understanding the resistance and support levels for the stock price which can then become potential points of market entry and exit.
• Set price targets
  Once you have the resistance and support levels, it is important to put some price targets in place. These can help you predict price movement. A price target can be calculated by multiplying the box size by the height of column X or O.
• Leverage stop-loss orders
  It is crucial for every trader to use stop-loss orders in trading to avoid losses. These can be set once you are clear on the resistance and support levels.
• Constant tracking
  P&F charts are typically slower as they tend to ignore irrelevant price movements. While this provides some leeway in monitoring, market trends must always be closely observed.

P&F charts work best with On-Balance-Volume and Relative Strength indicators and should not be drawn on technical analysis indicators that use averaging techniques to smoothen price fluctuations. Let us explore which are the best indicators for point and figure charts:

• Bollinger bands
  Bollinger bands have a centre line, typically based on a moving average metric, with upper and lower bands set 2 standard deviations away from the moving average. They help identify potential entry and exit points based on volatility changes. When added to point and figure charts, they can help identify clearer signals for buying and selling.
• Relative strength
  RSI relies on momentum to compare the strength of two assets or indexes. Before plotting, it is vital to normalise the given data to reduce fluctuations. However, P&F counts put on P&F charts drawn on relative strength do not necessarily imply specific outcomes.
• On-balance volume (OBV)
  OBV indicator relies on volume data to understand how strong or weak a stock’s price movement is. When the OBV chart trends upward, it indicates collection, whereas a downward trend suggests distribution. OBV price points and values can be used with—and plotted on—P&F charts.

Point and figure charts provide traders with a clear and effective method for identifying market trends and strategic entry and exit points. By focusing solely on price movements and ignoring time, P&F charts offer simplicity and reliability, empowering traders to navigate market conditions with greater confidence and precision.